Year in Review: The 20 GlobalPETS Cases That Set the Pulse of the Petcare Market Worldwide

Corporate moves, capital injections, market analysis, and regulatory changes. As 2025 draws to a close, GlobalPETS, the leading international publication for the petcare market, reviews the 20 articles that generated the most interest among its readers and that anticipate some of the trends that will continue to gain traction in 2026.

Zooplus is the focus of a potential sale. The funds Hellman & Friedman (H&F) and EQT, which acquired Zooplus in 2021 for €3.7 billion at a multiple of 58 times earnings, are reportedly considering exit options. Among the scenarios being discussed are a sale in 2025 or a possible return to the market through an IPO in 2026.

Colgate-Palmolive plans to exit private label pet food. Following lower sales volumes in its private label lines, the company announced its decision to leave that segment by 2025. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the group's net sales fell 0.1% year-on-year to €4.8 billion, while organic sales grew 4.3%.

Asian Alliance International (AAI) is accelerating its expansion in Europe. It reported a 63.9% year-on-year increase in gross profit, reaching THB 357 million (€10 million) in the first three quarters of the fiscal year. The company operates brands such as Pro Dog, Pro Cat, Hajiko, and Monchou, and has been developing its pet portfolio since 2019.

General Mills is reinforcing its commitment to pet food. At its Investor Day, the company detailed a growth strategy based on investment and acquisitions. Recent moves include Edgard & Cooper and Whitebridge Pet Brands, with the aim of capitalizing on the humanization trend and accelerating business growth.

Credit ratings: increased financial focus on the sector. GlobalPETS highlighted, for the first time, the monitoring of ratings in the pet industry. In 2025, Zoetis and Elanco received upgrades from S&P Global; Symrise received its first rating, and United Petfood was added to Fitch's ratings.

Mars Petcare expands production capacity in France. The company launched two new production lines after investing €120 million. The expansion, which began in April 2022, increased daily capacity to 600,000 boxes and 1 million bags.

The Pet Food Institute gains momentum with new US funding. The trade association received $1.65 million from the USDA's RAPP program and an additional $1.34 million from the Market Access program. The initiative aims to boost its international presence, focusing on Brazil, Central America, South Africa, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Fressnapf opens a branch in Asia from Hong Kong. The German retailer has created Fressnapf Asia Limited and appointed Christopher Smith as CEO, effective January 2026. It also plans to open a sourcing office in the region by the end of 2026.

REWE is rolling out ZooRoyal in Germany starting in 2026. After pilots in four branches in Hamburg with results exceeding expectations, the chain plans to open a 'double-digit' number of stores and consolidate its growth sustainably.

Concerns about tariffs and costs in the US with Trump's return. GlobalPETS gathered concerns from associations and companies regarding potential tariff threats and increased production costs. AFIA CEO Constance Cullman warned of the potential impact of tariffs and retaliatory measures on the pet food market.

Slowing growth, resilient premiums. The publication reviewed half-year results from companies such as Colgate-Palmolive, Freshpet, i-Tail, Nestlé, and Symrise, revealing mixed signals and shared challenges: macroeconomic uncertainty, cautious consumers, and the risk of tariff shocks

Pet population on the rise and premium market boom in China. The report highlighted the growth of dogs and cats as family members and the boost to luxury products, technology, and services, in addition to an overview of channels, trends, and international trade.

The UK is a mature market with high penetration. In 2024, 60% of British households owned non-aquatic pets. Dogs lead the way with 13.5 million, followed by cats (12.5 million), indoor birds (1.5 million), domestic fowl (1.3 million), and rabbits (1 million).

An emerging market in Malaysia with demand for premium and sustainable products. The country is gaining traction due to a combination of increased pet ownership, regional trade alliances, and a search for higher-value products. A 2023 report indicated that 51.1% of Malaysians own pets, and 26.4% own more than one.

The high level of pet ownership in the United States, coupled with cost pressures, led to a report that placed the US market among the most studied: 84% of dog owners say they see their pets as children, but the cost of maintenance influences their decisions. In 2024, the total number of pets reached 196.9 million.

Opportunities in services in the Philippines, but a veterinary shortage. The summary highlighted the growth of specialized services (grooming, hotels, wellness) and, at the same time, a structural gap: only one veterinarian for every

Brazil's moderate growth in a challenging macroeconomic environment. The report projected a 3.5% increase in 2025, with inflation and currency volatility. Pet food represents 53.3% of the market, followed by pet sales (10.9%) and veterinary products (10.6%).

Cannabidiol remained a topic of interest. Lacking veterinary licenses, its use is reported to be increasing in countries like Denmark and the US to support the management of anxiety, pain, arthritis, and other conditions affecting pets, creating growing interest despite regulatory gaps.

The debate over pet food labeling has resurfaced in the US. Lawmakers have reintroduced a bill to define national labeling standards. The PURR 2025 proposal outlines definitions and restrictions, with strengthened transparency disclaimers, and would apply to treats, supplements, ingredients, and traditional foods for dogs and cats.

Higher VAT in Italy for plant-based pet litter. Plant-based pet litter is now subject to a 22% VAT rate, resolving previous ambiguities. According to the analysis, part of the cost will be passed on to consumers, although manufacturers receive tax credits on product sales

Sources: GlobalPETS (Global Pet Industry), “Year in review: The 20 GlobalPETS stories that captured the industry’s attention”, 22/12/2025.